The sun is shining, the cherry blossoms are blooming and there will be baseball played on South Capitol Street today. How sweet is that?

Sandwiched between their Grapefruit League finale in Fort Myers and their season opener in Chicago, the Nationals make a brief cameo appearance in the District this afternoon, taking on the Boston Red Sox in one last exhibition game. Davey Johnson is playing all his regulars, though there's a twist: Xavier Nady is serving as designated hitter. Yes, a DH in a National League park. There's something you won't see again.

A couple more interesting lineup tidbits: Adam LaRoche, not Jayson Werth, is hitting cleanup against Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz. I've got a hunch you'll see that arrangement on Thursday against the Cubs as well. Also, Roger Bernadina is back in the lineup after coming out of yesterday's game with a knee injury. Appears he's OK.

Can't wait to bring my 2 year old to the game today. I've trained him to scream "Go Nats!" when he sees the curly W… but then he breaks out in his version of HTTR. I've got to teach him that THIS is the team to get excited about!Go Nats!

Have fun, y'all, and feel free to cheer extra hard on behalf of those fans who won't be there. I'll be in front of my tv but, while I *do* cheer pretty loud, I don't think they'll be able to hear me cheering in Virginia.

er, "loudly" (I'm too excited to worry about grammar, anyway. :-))natsfan1a said… Have fun, y'all, and feel free to cheer extra hard on behalf of those fans who won't be there. I'll be in front of my tv but, while I *do* cheer pretty loud, I don't think they'll be able to hear me cheering in Virginia.

You all had better be there next Thursday! My Friends and Family are starting to wonder when I say I am going to be with my imaginary friends!Stuck today with Co-workers (and other sundry people who are no fun), So not sure where I am sitting and if I will get to walk around!

I wouldn't be surprised if JZim is a Cy Young candidate this year.This from Amanda Comak:For Zimmermann, one of the most positive developments this spring was the improvement of his changeup, a pitch that he's been working on for several years now but has finally gotten to a point where he's comfortable — and effective — with it.He threw one to David Ortiz on Monday that the big left-hander just stared at for strike three."I came into spring and it was hit or miss — and missing more than I was hitting," Zimmermann said. "Right now I feel like I could throw it down in the count or down on the zone anytime I want. The last one to Big Papi there was a changeup so I was pretty happy there."I think the more I face some teams and throw it to them, if I throw a lot of good ones they're going to have that in the back of their mind, 'He's got this fastball and slider and curve but you have to watch out for his changeup.' If I can just mix it in and throw it five, six times a game I think that's all I really need to throw it."

The Tom Boz article today was a great dose of Kool-Aid. This guy went from a JayB meltdown moment a couple of days before the Gio trade to now being the head cheerleader for the Nats. Maybe he wants to audition for the Clint role and walk around with the microphone.For the Nats to exceed the 84 to 85 win consensus on their 2012 win total, they have to dominate the under .500 teams and play .500 baseball against all their other teams.For those worried about the bench, it is going to turnover quickly. It has to because of the players on the DL followed by possible call-ups by guys like Bryce Harper and Chris Marrero.This team will win on the fundamentals that were formed last year: Starting pitching, dominating bullpen, timely hitting, team defense, and lack of mental errors.The popcorn is popping and almost time for "real" baseball.

How silly is it that I have butterflies in my stomach – today isn't even the real opening day.Thursday I will be unbearable. Too bad my work schedule will not allow me to go today or next Thursday, but I will be glued to the tv! I think Opening Day should be a National Holiday!!!

Off to the Park!!Nice lineup and I am not going to be upset if they only play a couple innings. I am guessing Rizzo brought up all kinds of minor league guys just to give them the experience of playing at Nationals Park.Should be great fun!!! Baseball with my son! What could be better?

I think Opening Day should be a National Holiday!!!Which one? Home opener, road game that's another team's opener, opening day in Japan, ESPN Sun/Wed night opener? You'd need a week's worth of holiday for that!Hey, not a bad idea actually.

I am wicked jealous (a little nod to the opposing club's fans) as I have to work and cannot go to the game — though, through the miracle of radio broadcast, I will be there in spirit. Best 25 have come North!dfh21

Hope everyone enjoys the new and improved culture exhibited by the team put together by Mike Rizzo. Between a qualified GM, a qualified Manager, and an upgrade in overall talent we can expect a playoff caliber effort for the forseeable future.GatorJohn and I will be in DC starting with next Fridays game with the Reds. Hope to see alot of you durong that first homestand.I'll be home watching todays game on TV.

Do not make me pull this car over, MicheleS. (Actually, I was that annoying kid, too.)MicheleS said… I swear.. the clock is ticking SOO SLOWLY! i want to go NOW. Yes, I was the annoying kid in the station wagon going "Are we there YET!!!!" April 03, 2012 12:00 PM

Jim -Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I dealt with 2 different cancers last year and came through OK so far. Good luck with your own condition. The Nats were a big part of my coping mechanism all last year. Baseball makes everything better.

This week my wife and I are enjoying the splendors of Paris, where a young man's fancy turns to Chad Tracy. (Well, not really, but that one threw me a bit when I checked in for my Nats fix.) If I keep this up my bride will think I'm addicted to my support group. GYFNG!P.S. We spent hours touring Notre Dame today but we never found a single statue to Matt LeCroy.

Joining NCog in wishing much more baseball to Jim, and also anon at 12:57. And Drew, you made me spit out my diet coke in public, I was laughing so hard.Life IS great, especially when "wait'll NEXT year" finally arrives.

Me, too, on the many more wishes for Jim.On another note, a late-breaking news item for those who will be in attendance. In honor of the visiting team, ballpark Taste of the Majors concessions will be featuring all the Popeyes chicken and beer you can eat and drink.

Sorry, I'm a little weepy…. You guys get me all choked up about the Game. Here's JEJ…one more time….(deep breath….):Terence Mann: Ray, people will come Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't even fathom. They'll turn up your driveway not knowing for sure why they're doing it. They'll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past. Of course, we won't mind if you look around, you'll say. It's only $20 per person. They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it is money they have and peace they lack. And they'll walk out to the bleachers; sit in shirtsleeves on a perfect afternoon. They'll find they have reserved seats somewhere along one of the baselines, where they sat when they were children and cheered their heroes. And they'll watch the game and it'll be as if they dipped themselves in magic waters. The memories will be so thick they'll have to brush them away from their faces. People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once

Reporting live from the 1/2 street fairgrounds!Early crowd looks to be 60/40. Red sox fans. Nice atmosphere here. Live band just started on a much bigger stage then last year.At least7 different food trucks including Red Hook Lobster rolls.Beer prices still crush inside prices.Entrance is down near metro..That's all fo now.Thoughts to Jim, just like others.Go nats!

Go Nats!Is there no Nats Extra on MASN today?Working on my final revisions of my Nats projections (predictions :)I'm working on some additional numbers so that everything adds up to my 87-75 prediction.(BTW, the bench was much discussed recently. I think it's improved and above average)Enjoy the game!:-)

Oh, now I get it. Comprehension E-1a (I guess that would be a mental mistake).Section 3, My PFB Sofa said… The Nats were the visiting team yesterday. I meant two days. April 1. Nevermind. E-3. April 03, 2012 2:12 PM

Add me to the list of "Wish-I-Could-Be-Theres", but with time off this week for singing engagements and taking the day off next Thursday for OD, I couldn't get today as well. Also, add me to the "Best Wishes Jim and Anon" group as well.Those attending should definitely stay for the Wounded Warrior game. I went to the one last year with my daughter and it was great, lots of fun, and those guys can play….very inspiring. One note…if they do it like last year, "home plate" will actually be second base, so the best (pretty much only) place to sit is in the left field bleachers, Section 101, 102, etc.

AAARGGH, just got done crying for a variety of other reasons and then that darn Field of Dreams thing got me going again. True to my moniker, we'll be at Saturday and Sunday's Cubs games (decided to leave them to enjoy their actual home opener; it's going to be cold on Thursday anyway).

I hope we get to see stuff like the team being introduced – afraid it might be covered up by commercials… This game cannot go extra innings – I have to leave for work at 6:30 on the dot!!! GYFNG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Drew – Enjoy Paris!Anon – All the best and may this be the first of many, many more "Play Ball!" shouts for you to enjoy.Unkyd – Literally got goosebumps up my neck as I heard James Earl Jones voice reading that recitation.GYFNG!!

NatsLady said… Hi from Nats Park. Got Ramos jersey. Met MicheleS. Go Nats! April 03, 2012 3:27 PM That is great that you got your Rammoose and met MicheleS. Doesn't get much better than that when combined with Nats Park baseball!

Jim Kurtzke said… Last April, I was diagnosed with cancer. Today, I'm going to the ballpark. Life is great. April 03, 2012 12:47 PM Now that is great to hear! Hard to let no hits piss you off when you have been thru cancer.

I hope the first-pitch hacks from Desmond et al are just some sort of exhibition game subterfuge from Davey. I will really get torqued if Desi, then Espi, do this in the regular season. The rest of the team really needs to see some pitches.Also, if EJax is our weakest pitcher (and I am not saying he is) then I am OK with that.

4:04 p.m. — Don't know about all of you, but I'd really prefer not to have to write about a perfect game today. Which is what Buchholz has going through four innings.Luckily Buckholz won't pitch 9 so we don't have to worry about it, just an embarrassing offensive display.

Jackson getting shelled / no hitting – not a good combination. Good thing it's April 3rd not 5th. I was just thinking that there are guys in that dugout( or bullpen) who are not getting on the plane to chicago tomorrow and probably haven't been told yet. That is just so sad.

to Jim, Anon and all others … my deepest thoughts to you and your family. It's been 8 years since I was diagnosed with cancer and (knock wood) it hasn't returned. The start of the baseball season each year is truly a wondrous thing!! May you enjoy many, many more Opening Days!Speaking of OD, I wish I could join in at Duffy's on Thursday, but my family and I will be en route to our first vacation in about 5 years. I'll be checking my phone for updates while in the air. Drink a cold one for me!!

Anonymous said… What did that say about Lannan?????? Are you freaking kidding me? I love Detweiler, but , really??????? Lannan is a solid veteran. WTF? April 03, 2012 5:18 PM Don't hold me to it but here's Rizzo's thinking. He isn't going to put Lannan in the 'pen and Wang is ahead of schedule so he sends Lannan down instead of yo-yo'ing him and Detwiler will have a few weeks until Wang is ready to start and Craig Stammen gets the last spot in the bullpen (Detwiler's spot)

P2P, thanks. As you know, unless some hear it from the paid media, it doesn't matter.Funny how I brought up the Espinosa issue with the K's last week and then the next day Kilgore wrote his story.Whatever.

P2P, I like to see links/sources, so I looked at Twitter feeds and found an earlier Kilgore tweet. I'm waiting to see something more in depth than a tweet, preferably with thoughts from the parties involved directly (FO and player).And we're tied up again.

FS said… what? that must be very insulting after publicly being handed the job of fifth starter. April 03, 2012 5:27 PM Yep, quite the shocker but the rationale is understandable as Detwiler's role is spot starter and long-man and Wang is ahead of schedule. If it was going to be long-term, then you can understand the initial thought of Lannan as the 5th man.

phil dunn in vero beach said…You are watching the same hitless wonders I watched for thirty days here in Florida. Get used to it because this Rizzo constructed team has no offense.Can I wipe that egg off your face, Phil?May all our games show as "weak" offense as this one.

Steve, the good news if the tip is wrong, natsfan1a will blame Kilgore and not you.Some people just don't realize the depth of knowledge on here and just blow over it until it is written by the paid press. I guess its there right just seems short sighted.Steve told us days before Strasburg's injury was diagnosed that it was TJ and the Ryan Zimmerman injury last year and the Prince Fielder meetings. Probably another dozen more insights before anyone else had it.

Assuming the Lannan to AAA story is true, isn't the 5th starter often not used until the second time through the rotation? Might this just be a way to keep two relievers on the roster until the 5th starter is needed? I read the Kilgore story and the Detwiler-as-starter bit is qualified by a 'presumably'.

Unkyd, thanks for the JEJ. I am shocked by how much I couldn't see of the type, for the tears in my eyes AND how much I knew of it without having to read it. JEJ needs a spot in Cooperstown just by default.I'm having to work Thursday instead of meeting you all at Duffy's. I'm happy that you get to go, Unkyd.And wasn't Ian terrific today? I couldn't not mention that.And tomorrow the countdown clock changes to the best number prior to going away.

MArk Z said…"6:14 p.m. — Wow. Espinosa delivers a two-out single up the middle, and Desmond comes racing home, appearing to beat the throw home. But ump Chris Segal calls him out, ending the game. Looks like Segal had a flight to catch."I heard Segal's a rookie ump. His strike zone was inconsistent. Probably does have a flight to catch, including a change of planes in Sheboygen.

Way too much attention given to Opening Day rosters. With the DLs, inevitable injuries and undeperformances, more important to see who's there around Memorial Day. That'll be the club that takes you through the bulk of the season. By the way, what a great game for an exhibition game.

Danny worked a walk with the bases loaded. He swung at a 2-0 breaking ball in the dirt, but then took another breaker and a fading fast ball outside the zone. Desi worked a walk today, too.If they keep this up, they could work out at the top of the order. You know Danny wanted to hit away with the bags loaded, but he wouldn't bite on any thing out of the strike zone, except for one where he was fooled. Maybe those bull sessions with DeRosa are paying off. Last week he would have struck out swinging on those same pitches.Laddie_Blah_Blah